The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Draw for February 28, 2017
Active Influence: Hymir & Hrod/Five of Swords
Rune: Raido/Journey (reversed)
Hidden Influence: Mundilfari/Six of Wands

Your usual methods of work and means of progress may be blocked today. Clarity of thinking about the problem, coupled with creative inspiration, steer you in a new direction towards your goal. Ask for help or advice if you need to, and have the courage to reach out and try something new—you may find that it’s more workable and comfortable than that thing you’ve always done.

What Kind of Times Are These
~ Adrienne Rich

Note: This poem was written in 1995. Literature is timeless; how I wish this were not still relevant.

There’s a place between two stands of trees where the grass grows uphill
and the old revolutionary road breaks off into shadows
near a meeting-house abandoned by the persecuted
who disappeared into those shadows.

I’ve walked there picking mushrooms at the edge of dread, but don’t be fooled
this isn’t a Russian poem, this is not somewhere else but here,
our country moving closer to its own truth and dread,
its own ways of making people disappear.

I won’t tell you where the place is, the dark mesh of the woods
meeting the unmarked strip of light—
ghost-ridden crossroads, leafmold paradise:
I know already who wants to buy it, sell it, make it disappear.

And I won’t tell you where it is, so why do I tell you
anything? Because you still listen, because in times like these
to have you listen at all, it’s necessary
to talk about trees.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Draw for February 27, 2017
Active Influence: Daeg/Knight of Wands
Rune: Cweorth/Fire
Hidden Influence: Billing/King of Coins

You need to move fast to stay ahead. Think objectively about what is (and will be) most helpful, and make decisions about what to take and what to leave behind. Practical issues may be nagging at the edges of your consciousness; tend to them in a timely manner before they become actual problems.

Burning that which no longer serves releases energy to do the creative work that fills your day. Light the fire, and get to work!

A Fond Farewell
~ Sandra Fowler
In memory of Walter Barzelay

One day I sent some words to Tel Aviv.

Perhaps, they whisper in the grasses yet.

Good-bye to my last teacher and my best.

A letter to be read over your grave.

I left you in another century.

There was no place for poetry to stop.

I think you understand how limited

Mere words and stanzas are to bring you back.

Your shadow lingers on that distant pane,

Through which two wordsmiths viewed their brevity.

You often signed your letters with, ‘Till soon’,

Warm words far more endearing than farewell.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Draw for February 26, 2017
Active Influence: Bara/Nine of Cups
Rune: Stan/Keystone
Hidden Influence: Gunnlod/Two of Cups

The old continues to slip away, gradually moving out of your life. That’s a good thing, even if it’s a bit worrying to watch. Keep your eyes on your new goals and your feet focused on your new path. Beware of someone who seems to know everything and have all the answers—they don’t actually know everything, and what they are telling you is what you really need to know. To thine own self be true, and beware of sweet-talking strangers.